By Aidan Carney

On Wednesday night (April 30), the Buffalo Chamber Players presented their “Bach and Brews” program, offering a delightful evening of chamber music in a venue I’d yet to explore: the 9th Ward.

Tucked away within the historic Asbury Hall, the 9th Ward proves to be an inspired choice for the “Bach and Brews” series. Its quaint, intimate atmosphere felt ideally suited to the delicate nuances of the evening’s repertoire.

The space was packed – standing room only – a testament to the ensemble’s following, and the crowd was noticeably captivated throughout the performance. One gentleman near the rear seemed particularly transported, his hands subtly gesturing as if conducting or physically embodying the melodic lines — a clear sign of the music’s profound impact. 

The program commenced with an excellent rendition of the Duetto for Viola and Violone Kr. 219 by Carl Ditters von Dittersdorf. Adding a fascinating layer to the performance, Artistic Director Janz Castelo de Armas shared that Dittersdorf played in string quartets alongside giants like Mozart and Haydn, immediately grounding the piece in a rich historical context. Interestingly enough, Janz mentioned that von Dittersdorf ascended to royalty in his time, but is seldom remembered next to the grandeur of Mozart and Haydn. 

The core theme of the evening revolved around Bach’s Sonatas for Viola da Gamba. For those unfamiliar, the Viola da Gamba is a bowed, fretted string instrument popular during the Renaissance and Baroque periods, held between the legs like a cello, but distinct in its construction and characterized by a gentler, sonorous tone.

The first of these sonatas, Sonata No. 1 in G Major, was rendered beautifully by Amélie Fradette on the Viola da Gamba and Abigail Rockwood, who skillfully accompanied on the Harpsichord for nearly every piece on the program. Their synergy was palpable, especially during the third movement, the Andante, whose gorgeous, lyrical lines were played with exquisite sensitivity, holding the audience completely enthralled.

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Following this was Reinhold Gliere’s poignant Cradle Song. Janz noted Gliere’s significance as a teacher to Sergei Prokofiev before the ensemble delivered an excellently performed, moving interpretation of the piece.

Throughout the evening, Janz Castelo de Armas served as a charming and knowledgeable host, weaving engaging dialogue and witty quips between selections. His commentary not only illuminated the music but also fostered a warm connection with the audience, keeping everyone deeply invested.

Janz himself then took center stage for Sonata No. 2 in D Major. He explained that, while attributed to J.S. Bach, no original manuscript exists, adding an element of historical mystery. The performance itself was wonderfully jovial and light-hearted.

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After intermission came a delightful surprise: Peter Schickele’s River Run for Contrabass and Harpsichord. Schickele, perhaps better known by his comedic alter ego P.D.Q. Bach (“the only forgotten son” of the Bach dynasty, as Janz humorously put it) composed a piece that blended Western classical ideas with elements reminiscent of traditional Indian music. It was a genuinely engaging and often funny performance, showcasing bassist Brett Shurtliffe’s versatility.

The concert concluded with Sonata No. 3 in G minor, originally for Viola da Gamba but presented here in an arrangement for double bass, providing a resonant and satisfying finale. The entire sonata was fantastic, but the introspective Adagio movement stood out as particularly moving. It served as a beautiful closer to an evening filled with exceptional musicianship, historical insight and the unique charm of live chamber music in an intimate setting. The Buffalo Chamber Players, expertly guided by Janz Castelo de Armas, delivered a truly memorable performance.

I have included a recording of the Adagio to give you a reference; Brett Shurtliffe’s interpretation was profoundly moving. 

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The Buffalo Chamber Players will perform an upcoming program, Take Five, on May 21 at Asbury Hall. The final “Bach and Brews” will be June 11 at the 9th Ward.